This weekend saw the 20th round of the Second League take place. US Saint-Malo, following their victory against Guingamp, is now even closer to the first division. On the other hand, the battle for survival is intensifying between Metz and Rodez.
Mission accomplished for the players from Saint-Malo, who overcame the trap set by Rodez. Initially slated for a relegation battle, as explained by Charlotte Boisneau, the Malouines took a step closer to promotion to the Première Ligue Arkema with a narrow 1-0 victory over Rodez. Morgane Ikene delivered the crucial goal just before halftime, putting Roland Jamelot’s players in control of their destiny. A win in the next match against LOSC would secure their spot in the first division.
Meanwhile, Auxerroises suffered a harsh 3-1 defeat to Metz, almost kissing their promotion hopes goodbye. Despite a lighter schedule (Nice and Guingamp), the Blue and White team will need to rely on slip-ups from Le Mans and Saint-Malo to keep their promotion dreams alive.
In the same vein, Rodez, who were outside the relegation zone last week, are now caught up by Metz. With a decisive 3-1 victory over Auxerre, including three goals in fifteen minutes, the Lorraine club has turned the tables and reignited the battle for survival. Both teams will face Thonon Evian GG FC next. For Metz, survival hinges on the final match against Nice, while Rodez will take on Reims, a team still uncertain of their safety after a 0-2 loss to Thonon Evian.
Struggle for Survival
First not in the relegation zone last week, Rodez is now back in the mix due to Metz’s victory over Auxerre. The fight for survival is wide open as both teams gear up to face Thonon Evian GG FC. Metz’s chances of staying up rely on a result against Nice in the last match, while Rodez will challenge Reims in their upcoming fixture, a team still fighting for survival after their loss to Thonon Evian.
Results of Matchday 20 in the Second League
– Toulouse FC – LOSC: 3-2 – OGC Nice – Le Mans: 0-2 – US Saint-Malo – Rodez Aveyron Football: 1-0 – EA Guingamp – Grenoble Foot 38: 2-3 – Stade de Reims – Thonon Evian GG FC: 0-2 – FC Metz – AJ Auxerre: 3-1
The Second League Standings
(Timestamp: Les derniers articles par Mathys Louise)
